Fethiye locals panic over tsunami rumors

Written By THA on Thursday, 14 June 2012 | 16:10

DHA Photo

Locals in the Aegean district of Fethiye rushed to nearby highways to escape their town following rumors that a tsunami was about to hit their area in the wake of recent seismic activity, daily Hürriyet reported.

An earthquake of magnitude 6.0 hit the city on June 10, precipitating a number of aftershocks, frightening residents in the surrounding region.

Rumors of an approaching tsunami spread quickly through mobile phones and social media, prompting hundreds to leave town. Houses were evacuated and traffic jams blocked roads.

The panic was caused by several news stories that reported the high probability that a tsunami would follow the quakes.

Authorities denied the tsunami rumors, telling locals that there was no reason to panic. (Istanbul-Hurriyet Daily News)